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"More than one hundred and fifty years after her dramatic death by drowning, Civil War spy and diplomat Rose Greenhow remains as polarizing and controversial as she was in life. This scholarly edition of her 1863 memoirs enhances her work for the first time with copious footnotes, a complete index, and an introduction placing it within the context of her years in the nation's capital, her espionage, and her diplomatic mission to Europe. Annotations of people, events, and works mentioned by Greenhow (a consummate name-dropper) reveal her intelligence and political savvy, illuminate the depth and breadth of her literary and historical knowledge, and afford fascinating insights into wartime Washington, D.C. Born in Montgomery County, Maryland, Greenhow spent nearly all of her adult life immersed in the political milieu of the District of Columbia and counted presidents, diplomats, and senators among her friends and relations. At the outset of the Civil War, she was quickly identified as a potential espionage agent for the Confederacy and employed ""every capacity"" in serving her cause. Credited by General P. G.T. Beauregard with providing intelligence crucial to the southern victory at the First Battle of Bull Run, Greenhow was subsequently arrested by detective Allan Pinkerton and imprisoned for nearly a year. Her book, originally published in England, not only describes her arrest and imprisonment in detail but also speaks eloquently to her role as an active participant in crucial events of her turbulent era, yet it has previously received little scholarly attention. This edition presents Greenhow's remarkable narrative within a contextual framework for the modern reader."

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Meticulously, and in fascinating detail, Emily Lapisardi has annotated the memoir of one of the most controversial figures of the Civil War. Rose Greenhow-Confederate spy, provocateur, consummate name dropper and social climber-lived a brief but tumultuous life, and Lapisardi puts it into thorough and proper context. - Abbott Kahler, author (as Karen Abbott) of Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy One of the most daring, alluring, and controversial [spies] was Rose Greenhow, a noted Washington socialite and staunch Confederate sympathizer and diplomat. After decades of research, Lapisardi has come to know Greenhow as well as any living historian, and has resurrected her intriguing story in this much-needed annotated edition. --Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Professor Emeritus, Dept. of History, UNC Wilmington, and author of The Wilmington Campaign: Last Rays of Departing Hope This edition is a valuable resource and should be part of any serious library of the Civil War. Greenhow had a distinctly political mind during an era where women were not encouraged to engage in political issues. Lapisardi provides critical context in understanding the significance of Greenhow's espionage activities. --Janet Elizabeth Croon, editor of The War Outside My Window: the Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, 1860-1865 While the Civil War is one of the most intensely-studied periods of U.S. history, Lapisardi's annotated work of Greenhow's account of the Civil War proves there is still more to uncover. This work is necessary, riveting, and adds to the body of work around the country's bloodiest conflict. -- Claude Berube, PhD, Director, US Naval Academy Museum The past is certainly a distant country. The language and conditions of life in the U. S. 165 years ago are nearly beyond our imaginations. Lapisardi's annotations provide a bridge to and a residence within that distant country and allow readers to make what they may of her espionage work. --Rea Andrew Redd, author of Gettysburg Campaign Study Guide, Vols. 1 & 2 and From Altars to Amputations: Gettysburg Churches Become Battlefield Hospitals Emily Lapisardi has provided a painstaking and intimate examination of Rose Greenhow. Her introduction and annotations help to shed additional light on the circumstances and broader tapestry of the America in which a woman, filled with self conviction, attempted to persuade people to support the cause of the Confederacy. --LTC Paul N. Belmont III, Department of History, United States Military Academy

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